The Michigan Wolverines’ win over the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday night was one of the most controversial wins in college football history. The Wolverines appeared to lose 12-7 at the end of regulation after Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s Hail Mary attempt soared out the back of the end zone as the clock hit zero.
However, the Broncos’ celebration was stopped by game officials for video review, and it was determined that one second was left on the clock when the ball was touched out of bounds, giving Michigan one last chance to convert on a Hail Mary.
Michigan took advantage of its second life, and Underwood connected with star wide receiver JJ Buchanan for a touchdown, winning the game 13-12 for Michigan. The victory prompted widespread outrage, forcing the Big Ten to release a statement, including the official video review; NBC to pin responsibility for keeping the game clock on the Big Ten; and even Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor and president Russ Kavalhuna to address things on CNN, where he confirmed that, at his request, the Big Ten showed him the video it used in the ruling that showed “a second left on the clock.”
However, the MAC, the conference Western Michigan belongs to, is not going down nearly as quietly.
“The MAC has issued a statement saying ‘it is now evident that replay protocol was not properly followed’ during the Michigan game,” ESPN’s Heather Dinich reported on Tuesday.
The MAC has issued a statement saying “it is now evident that replay protocol was not properly followed” during the Michigan game. The league has submitted formal appeals to the NCAA FBS oversight committee and the CFP asking they recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner.
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) September 8, 2026
“The league has submitted formal appeals to the NCAA FBS oversight committee and the CFP asking they recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner.”
The MAC has ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith in its corner.
“There’s no question this outcome should have been 12-7,” Smith said on First Take on Monday. “It shouldn’t have happened. It’s definitely an egregious mistake on the part of the officials or whoever is responsible for it. I’m not buying it one bit. I know what the hell I saw. Michigan lost this da*n game. It’s a shame that the outcome was the outcome.”
It’ll be fascinating to see where things go from here.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.